Cheltenham
Discover Cheltenham’s Wild Side
Step beyond the town centre and explore the rolling hills, scenic commons, and peaceful woodlands that surround Cheltenham. From the dramatic views at Cleeve Hill and Crickley Hill to tranquil trails around Dowdeswell Reservoir and Leckhampton Hill, these rural routes offer something for every walker or wheeler. Whether you’re after a gentle nature stroll or a rewarding hike with panoramic vistas, Cheltenham’s countryside is closer than you think. Many trails connect to local buses, cycle paths, and community car parks, making your next outdoor adventure easy to reach.
Leckhampton Hill
Duration: 4km, 1 hour
Access: Wheelchair accessible, pathway available.
Terrain: Mixed stone and dirt tracks with some steep and rocky sections.
Facilities: No public toilets or cafés on-route; corner shop and pub (Wheatsheaf) nearby
Transport and Parking: Free parking at Daisybank Road & Hartley Lane; no bus directly to car parks, nearest bus on A435 at Seven Springs
Crickley Hill
Duration: Options from 1 mi loops (~30 min) up to 2.4 mi (~1 hr 10 min) circuits
Access & Terrain: Terrain & Accessibility: Tarmac and earth paths suitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs, and mobility scooters; Tramper scooter hire available.
Facilities: Visitor centre with café, accessible toilets, car park (blue badge & general, £2), and viewpoints
Transport and Parking: Car park at Birdlip (GL4 8JY). Buses from Gloucester/Cheltenham drop nearby; car or cycle routes recommended
Cleeve Hill
Duration: Distance & Duration: 4–6 mi loops; 2–4 hours depending on route
Access & Terrain: Limestone tracks; no paved paths across the common. Steep sections but manageable in trainers; limited mobility scooter access near golf club and radio mast car park via Tramper route
Facilities: Car park off B4632 near golf club; no services on the hill. Café at Ellenborough Park hidden down in Cheltenham
Transport and Parking:Drive via B4632, or take bus from Cheltenham/Winchcombe to Golf Club junction
Dowdeswell Reservoir
Duration: Distance & Duration: ~4 km (2.5 mi) loop; ~1 hr 5 min
Access & Terrain: Woodland and reservoir tracks; moderate elevation gain (~100–157 m). Not pushchair or wheelchair friendly due to uneven ground
Facilities: No toilets or cafés on-site, closest available at Dunkertons
Transport and Parking: Parking available on the roadside or at Dunktertons
Charlton Kings Common and Devil’s Chimney
Duration: ~3 mi (~4.8 km) moderate loop; ~1 hr 15 min
Access & Terrain: Well-made tarmac and stone paths on Charlton Kings Common; wheelchair and mobility scooter access confirmed on flat sections; steep rough descent to Devil’s Chimney unsuitable for wheels
Facilities: No toilets; benches and views; nearest cafés in Charlton Kings/Cheltenham town centre
Transport and Parking: Start from accessible routes off Leckhampton Hill car parks (Hartley Lane); some bus stop access on main roads
